By Dipo Olowookere

The chief executive of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has stressed the need to broaden women’s involvement in the capital market.

Speaking on Tuesday at the closing gong ceremony to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 in Lagos, he submitted that, “When more women participate in the market as investors and professionals, we deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”

The NGX Group Plc partnered with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, and the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) to observe the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative in alignment with the UN Women theme Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls.

Also addressing participants at the event, the chief executive of NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, emphasised the critical role capital markets must play in shaping inclusive economic growth.

“Capital markets are powerful engines for economic transformation. When women participate fully as leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, markets become stronger, deeper, and more resilient.

“At NGX Group, we remain committed to advancing policies, partnerships, and platforms that expand opportunities for women and accelerate inclusive prosperity,” he said.

On her part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for advancing gender inclusion through the initiative.

“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for sustaining this important global movement and for championing gender equality within our financial ecosystem. Together, let us continue to open the doors of opportunity, so the next generation of women can lead with confidence and help transform our world,” she said.

Also, the First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, called for collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls.

“As we sound the NGX Gong today, let it symbolise our shared pledge to protect every girl child, expand opportunities for every woman, and build an inclusive economy where every woman and girl can flourish,” she said.

The Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Ms Claude Owona, underscored the role of capital markets in translating gender equality commitments into real economic outcomes.

“Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is both symbolic and practical, because capital markets do not just reflect economies, they shape them. When women have equitable access to finance, leadership opportunities, and safe, inclusive workplaces, companies perform better, and economies grow stronger.

“At IFC, we are proud to partner with NGX Group on market‑driven solutions that expand women’s participation as leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees, recognising that inclusive growth is not aspirational, it is investable, and it is essential for long‑term resilience and shared prosperity,” she said.

Media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Ms Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with clarity and confidence.

“For me, it comes down to four things: purpose, passion, progress, and power. Find your purpose, let passion fuel your journey, stay consistent even when challenges arise, and most importantly, stand firmly in your power. Do not shrink,” she said.

Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Ms Funke Akindele, urged women to pursue their ambitions with discipline and courage, saying, “To every woman out there, you can do it.

“But beyond the words, we must put in the hard work, build structure into our businesses, and do things the right way. It takes courage to take the first step even when you’re not ready, courage to stay consistent when no one is clapping, and courage to hold firmly to your vision.”

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A significant step has been taken to ensure Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Plateau State have access to cheap loans.

The state government has partnered with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to create a N4 billion matching fund for small business operators across the state.

Each of the parties will provide N2 billion to provide affordable financing for equipment acquisition and working capital, enabling businesses to expand operations, create jobs, and strengthen local value chains.

Business Post gathered that the loans would be given at a single-digit interest rate to eligible businesses, with a maximum offer of N100 million per beneficiary over a tenor of up to five years, including a moratorium period of up to 12 months after disbursement.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Mr Gyang Bere, in a statement on Wednesday, said the state government collaborated with the lender to lift citizens out of poverty and stimulate economic growth across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to build a resilient and inclusive economy that aligns with the vision of Mr President (Bola Tinubu) to grow Nigeria into a one-trillion-dollar economy,” the governor was quoted to have said in the statement.

“Plateau State has significant potential and will continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the national economy,” Mr Mutfwang added.

He noted that the initiative would serve as seed capital capable of generating sustainable economic returns and driving entrepreneurship across the state.

“We want to increase Plateau State’s contribution to the national GDP, and the most effective way to achieve this is by stimulating business growth,” he stated.

“We will identify innovative and enterprising businesses across the state, with particular focus on women and young people, ensuring that no part of Plateau is left behind.”

On his part, the Managing Director of BoI, Mr Olasupo Olusi, commended the governor for what he described as a visionary initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable economic development.

Mr Olusi explained that the partnership would not only provide funding but also offer training and capacity-building programmes for beneficiaries through accredited Entrepreneurship Development Centres, ensuring that MSMEs are equipped with the necessary skills to grow and remain competitive.

According to him, the BOI–PLSG Matching Fund is designed to expand access to affordable, long-term financing for MSMEs operating across Plateau State.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Shareholders of Linkage Assurance Plc who intend to increase their stake in the company can now begin to do so through a rights issue window.

The organisation on Wednesday, March 6, 2026, commenced its N16.3 billion rights issue days after securing approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Through the exercise, Linkage Assurance is selling to investors a total of 12,320,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N1.32 per share.

It would be issued to shareholders on the basis of two new ordinary shares for every three ordinary shares held as of Thursday, January 22, 2026.

According to a notice issued by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited today, the rights issue will close on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

“Trading licence holders are hereby notified that trading in Linkage Assurance Plc’s rights issue of 12,320,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N1.32 per share on the basis of two new ordinary shares for every existing three ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Thursday, January 22, 2026, opened today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026,” the statement signed by the Head of Issuer Regulation Department of the NGX, Mr Godstime Iwenekhai, said.

Proceeds from the rights issue would be used by Linkage Assurance to meet the required minimum capital introduced by the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025, and to expand into key areas of insurance business.